PREPA Makes Payment And Whitefish Energy Crews Resume Work To Complete Important Transmission Line Repairs By End Of November

November 23, 2017

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Nov. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Whitefish Energy issued the following statement today regarding the resumption of work to repair transmission lines on Puerto Rico:

Late afternoon on Wednesday, November 22, PREPA released a payment to Whitefish Energy that was enough to show PREPA’s good faith intent to pay Whitefish Energy and its subcontractors for services rendered.

As a result, Whitefish Energy is proud to announce that this morning it resumed critical work on transmission line 50900, which will complete a “loop,” that, combined with Whitefish Energy’s earlier repairs of lines 50100 and 50200, will allow PREPA to manage the flow of power from the south to the north of the island of Puerto Rico and create redundancy for the demand centers of the north, including the city of San Juan. This need for redundancy was highlighted by the recent temporary outages, which had nothing to do with Whitefish Energy’s completed work on those energized lines. This critical work on line 50900 is the type of helicopter-only access work in which Whitefish Energy specializes.

Media Contact:
Chris Chiames
[email protected]

SOURCE Whitefish Energy

Whitefish Energy Calls On Arc American To Withdraw Its Demands So That PREPA Payments Can Proceed For Electrical Contractors

November 22, 2017

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Nov. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Whitefish Energy today issued the following statement and called on Arc American, Inc. to withdraw its letter to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), which is blocking PREPA from making payment to Whitefish Energy, and in turn, all of its subcontractors that have helped restore electricity on the island of Puerto Rico, post Hurricane Maria:

The self-serving action taken by Arc American, Inc. impacts every subcontractor that worked with Whitefish Energy to restore the electrical grid in Puerto Rico, and more importantly, the people of Puerto Rico.

Whitefish Energy and all of our subcontractors are extremely frustrated by PREPA’s slow payment of invoices. Last Thursday, Nov. 16, Arc American, Inc., a subcontractor working under the Whitefish Energy contract, issued a letter to PREPA demanding to be paid directly rather than pay Whitefish Energy. Whitefish Energy’s subcontract with Arc American contains a typical construction industry “pay when paid” provision, which provides that Arc American will receive payments once Whitefish Energy receives payments from PREPA for Arc American’s services. After the letter questioned whether Whitefish Energy complied with the “pay when paid” requirements, Whitefish Energy immediately provided both Arc American and PREPA with supporting documentation (including evidence of wire transfers) showing that Whitefish Energy promptly paid Arc American once it received payment from PREPA for Arc American’s services (and in some instances paid Arc American in advance of receiving payment from PREPA) and that any payment delays were a result of PREPA’s delayed payments to Whitefish Energy.

Although Arc American’s letter was factually and legally inaccurate, falsely claiming that amounts were “due and owing” under the subcontract, PREPA refused to release payment to Whitefish Energy for the benefit of Whitefish Energy and its subcontractors, until the letter is rescinded. This issue, combined with prior payment delays by PREPA, led to the need for the suspension of work under the contract. Whitefish was left with no choice but to seek relief from the courts. However, Whitefish Energy remains hopeful that Arc American will withdraw its letter so that payments can be made to Whitefish Energy and its other subcontractors, and equally critically, so that work can resume.

Media Contact:
Chris Chiames
[email protected]

SOURCE Whitefish Energy Holdings, LLC

(Español) “Vigile el sartén”: Consejos para cocinar en Thanksgiving, el Día de Acción de Gracias, que usted agradecerá

November 22, 2017

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1973 and charged with protecting the American public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call the CPSC hotline at 1-800-638-2772, or visit http://www.saferproducts.gov. Further recall information is available at http://www.cpsc.gov. (PRNewsFoto/U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION)

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Supporting Families Comes First for California Fueling Industry

November 21, 2017

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This Year CIOMA Member Companies Gave More than $500,000 through Scholarships and Charity Events

SACRAMENTO, California, Nov. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Through the CIOMA Memorial Scholarship Fund and other charity events, this year, CIOMA members have once again affirmed their commitment to their communities by giving over $500,000 to the most deserving causes.

Each year, the CIOMA Memorial Scholarship Fund honors deserving students from across the state, helping them to pursue their academic endeavors. This year, CIOMA’s Memorial Scholarship gave more than $10,000 in financial assistance donated by CIOMA member companies.

“This money will help me on my journey to further my academic and possibly my athletic career at Cal Poly,” said CIOMA Memorial Scholarship recipient, Logan Jennings. “Because of the generosity and support from organizations like CIOMA, a college education becomes a possibility for young people like me.”

Additionally, this year, CIOMA members raised more than $500,000 for charities like the Special Olympics, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and the Fuel Relief Fund. Flyers Energy raised more than $163,000 in 2017, earning $72,500 for the Special Olympics in its annual charity golf tournament alone. Boyett Petroleum provided $275,000 for children’s educational opportunities through its golf tournament, with Interstate Oil doing the same for the Make-a-Wish Fund.

With the recent disasters devastating the United States, CIOMA members have also raised more than $50,000 for the Fuel Relief Fund, with more money heading where it is needed most every day. In addition to purely monetary contributions, CIOMA members continue to personally deliver free fuel to disaster relief efforts in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico.

“This year, CIOMA member companies affirmed their commitment to give back,” said Ryan Hanretty, Executive Director of CIOMA. “These independent, family- and minority-owned companies care deeply about the people in their communities and are extremely passionate about providing help and support whenever the opportunity is present.”

CIOMA is the industry’s statewide trade association representing the needs of independent wholesale and retail marketers of gasoline, diesel, lubricating oils and other petroleum products; transporters of those products; and retail convenience store operators.

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SOURCE California Independent Oil Marketers Association (CIOMA)

Cal/OSHA Cites Six Employers over $240,000 for Exposing Workers to Valley Fever

November 21, 2017

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BAKERSFIELD, California, Nov. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/– Cal/OSHA has cited six employers $241,950 for workplace safety and health violations after reports that workers contracted Valley Fever on a solar project construction site in Monterey County.

The employers at the California Flats Solar Project in Cholame Hills were cited for serious violations that included failure to control employee exposure to contaminated dust at the worksite, and failure to provide and ensure use of appropriate respiratory protection. One employer, Papich Construction, Inc., was cited in 2013 for some of the same violations.

“Employers who work in areas endemic to Valley Fever must take preventative measures to protect workers who may be exposed,” said Juliann Sum, Chief of Cal/OSHA.

Employers cited include:

Employer	Type	Violation Classification	Proposed Penalties
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.	General contractor	Serious – 2, General – 2	$46,540
Papich Construction Co., Inc.	Subcontractor	Repeat Serious – 1, Serious – 1, General – 2	$68,900
Granite Construction Co., Inc.	Subcontractor	Serious – 2, General – 2	$46,590
Sachs Electric Company	Subcontractor	Serious – 2, General – 2	$46,400
Dudek	Subcontractor	Serious – 1, General – 2	$23,620
Althouse and Meade, Inc.	Subcontractor	Serious – 1	$9,900

Valley Fever is caused by a microscopic fungus known as Coccidioides immitis, which lives in the top two to 12 inches of soil in many parts of the state. When soil is disturbed by digging, driving, or high winds, fungal spores can become airborne and may be inhaled by workers. While the fungal spores are more likely to be present in the soils of the Central Valley, they may also be present in other areas of California. Cal/OSHA’s Valley Fever informational page provides detailed information with resources for workers and employers.

Tips for reducing the risk of Valley Fever exposure include:

Determine if a worksite is in an area where fungal spores are likely to be present.
Adopt site plans and work practices that minimize the disturbance of soil and maximize ground cover.
Use water, appropriate soil stabilizers, and/or re-vegetation to reduce airborne dust.
Limit workers’ exposure to outdoor dust in disease-endemic areas by (1) providing air-conditioned cabs for vehicles that generate dust and making sure workers keep windows and vents closed, (2) suspending work during heavy winds, and (3) providing sleeping quarters, if applicable, away from sources of dust.
When exposure to dust is unavoidable, provide approved respiratory protection to filter particles.
Train supervisors and workers in how to recognize symptoms of Valley Fever and minimize exposure.

Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from safety and health hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers and workers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.

Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices. Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734).

Members of the press may contact Peter Melton or Jeanne-Mairie Duval at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

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SOURCE California Department of Industrial Relations, Cal/OSHA

GENERAC: 7 Benefits of Investing in a Backup Power Generator

November 21, 2017

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MEXICO CITY, Nov. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following statement was issued by Frank Moreno, Sr. Director Marketing Latin America, Generac:

If you run a company, you should consider the massive benefits from having a backup power system. Not only do you save money, in the long-term, you will keep yourself from worrying and wasting energy. If you are considering the possibility of purchasing a generator for your business, please keep in mind the following:

Backup Generators Can Act in a Matter of Seconds. Blackouts and power outages can last for several days when the utility company is experiencing problems of some kind. However, with a backup generator, it will only be a few seconds before the generator starts feeding your company or business.
Prevent Food Decomposition and Loss. Corporate canteens, catering businesses or restaurants could suffer major economic losses if the food that needs to be refrigerated is left without protection when the power goes out.
When the Power Returns, the Transition will be Smooth. Since the equipment (typically) remains in operation for several minutes after the main source of energy has been restored, some problems are avoided, such as the voltage variations that occur when power comes back. Once the network is stable, and the engine has cooled down a bit, the emergency generator shuts down, and is then ready for any new incident.
There will be no Interruptions in your Security System. With an emergency generator that goes live in a matter of seconds, you can rest assured that your company or business will remain protected, thus preventing burglary and looting in the event of a blackout or a natural disaster.
Your Operations will Continue, Even During Long Outages. You can do computer work, presentations, meetings and teleconferences even during long power outages. With a backup generator, you don’t even have to get up from where you are, or to interrupt your activities.
You and your employees will remain Connected to the World at all Times. Forget about being left in isolation, in the event of power failures and natural disasters your telecommunications will not be affected.
You Never Know When Will you Need Backup Power. The electricity supply may be unexpectedly affected for many reasons: harsh climate, trees that fall on the distribution lines, natural disasters or even rodents that bite the wires.

http://www.infosol.com.mx/proyectos/generac/7-benefits-of-Investing-in-a-backup-power-generator.html

http://www.infosol.com.mx/proyectos/generac/7-benefitsb-of-investing-in-a-backup-power-generator.docx

SOURCE Generac

NOVUS lands in Orlando

November 21, 2017

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ORLANDO, Florida, Nov. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Novus the renowned Puerto Rican shoe store brand lands at Florida Mall, Orlando. With over 40 years of experience, Novus is expanding to the United States where, without a doubt, they will win the following of fashionistas that look for a modern, vibrant, and unique style. The new NOVUS store is located in the central atrium of the Florida Mall, one of the most visited shopping centers in Orlando.

NOVUS lands in Orlando

The store evokes the energy of fashion taking into account the needs of customers with current trends in design and decoration. It displays the modernism that characterizes Novus using variety of materials and colors such as wood, polished metal, and the company’s distinctive shade of red. In addition, using new technology in the storefront, Novus presents an OLED screen “billboard type” where they project stylish advertising campaign with their inspirational styles.

Sandra Castellon, Grupo Novus Marketing Director, stated: “We are extremely happy to be opening in Orlando where a large number of Puerto Rican followers of our brand have emigrated to. We are also betting on growing into different markets that are similar to our preferences and likings.”

Novus’s attractive and expansive collection for both, men and women, present diverse styles and materials that adapt to their customers’ needs while maintaining the best quality at affordable prices and unique styling. Novus sells exclusive brands designed and made in Brazil, Italy, Spain and Asia. Shopping at Novus is not only about buying shoes, but living a unique experience where customers get to choose their unique style and complement them with handbags and jewelry with personalized customer service.

There is no doubt that Novus innovative concept will be a complete success in the United States, not only among Puerto Ricans but among tourists and fashion shoe lovers in Orlando.

For further information, photos, and interview opportunities contact Sandra Castellon at [email protected] (939)644-9203

About Novus Inc.

Novus Inc. designs, markets, sells and manages fashion shoes and accessories via different retail store formats and internet web sites. Novus, Galeria, Naturalizer, Bakers, La Favorita, Florsheim, and Novus Outlet appeal to different socio- economic segments of the middle to high end consumers by sourcing directly from the best factories in Spain, Italy, Brazil, and Asia. The company was founded in 1973 with its first store Novus and then grew to 65 stores between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Novus Inc. employs approximately 600 people in different areas from Store Operations to Purchasing with over 40 years of experience and reputation.

Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/608975/Novus_Florida_Mall_Photo.jpg

SOURCE Novus Inc.

(Español) IKEA vuelve a anunciar el retiro del mercado de cómodas, gaveteros y tocadores modelos MALM y otros debido a grave riesgo de volcadura; se reporta la 8a muerte infantil; se insta a consumidores a elegir entre un reembolso o una reparación

November 21, 2017

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Gruma to Produce 30 Million Tortillas Daily at Its New Plant in Dallas, Texas

November 21, 2017

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Juan González Moreno, Presidente y Director General de Gruma, acompañado por el Secretario de Estado de Texas, Rolando B. Pablos, corta el listón de inauguración de la nueva planta de Mission Foods en Dallas, Texas.

DALLAS, Texas, Nov. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — “With this plant, Gruma establishes itself as the leading company in production, marketing and distribution of tortillas in the United States and reaffirms its commitment to offering its clients and consumers world class healthy products that satisfy tastes and preferences,” said Gruma’s President and General Director, Juan González Moreno, during the new plant’s opening in Dallas, Texas.

Juan González Moreno, President and General Director of Gruma, accompanied by Texas Secretary of State, Rolando B. Pablos, cuts the ribbon at the ceremony for the opening of the new Mission Foods plant in Dallas, Texas.

“Mission Foods now has the capacity to meet the growing demand for our products in Texas and neighboring states in the future,” he said.

Addressing Texas Secretary of State Rolando B. Pablos, representative of the entity’s governor, clients, company executives and special guests at the event, González Moreno pointed out: “This new Gruma plant is equipped with the latest technology and operates based on strict quality and sustainability standards.”

“It has the capacity to continue growing and will produce at full capacity more than 10 billion wheat and corn tortillas annually, as well as tortilla chips and flat breads, under the global Mission brand, and domestic brands like Guerrero and Calidad, to supply the states of Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas and northern Texas,” he said.

With this new plant located in the Texas city of Dallas, Mission Foods will create 1,000 direct and more than 4,500 indirect jobs. It has specially designed areas for the production and packaging of each product, with ecological equipment that guarantees environmental and health controls in processes.

Through its 20 tortilla production plants strategically located in the American Union, and the strength of its operations based on four decades of sustained growth, Gruma serves its clients and consumers in the United States with world class quality products.

Gruma has been operating in the United States for the past 40 years. In 1977, it opened its first tortilla plant in Canoga Park, California, and later acquired the small tortilla factory Mission, located in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles.

Tortilla and fritura production plants in the United States:

Phoenix, Arizona
Dallas, Texas.
Jefferson, Georgia.
McMinnville, Oregon.
Olympic, California.
Fresno, California.
San Antonio, Texas.
Pueblo, Colorado.
Rancho Cucamonga, California.
Houston, Texas.
Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Seattle, Washington.
Hayward, California.
New Brighton, Minnesota
Mountain, Pennsylvania
Panorama, California.
Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Lakeland, Florida.

ABOUT GRUMA
Founded in 1949, Gruma S.A.B. de C.V. (“GRUMA”) is one of the largest producers of corn flour, tortillas and flat breads in the world. With leading brands in the majority of its markets, Gruma operates primarily in the United States, Mexico, Central America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. The company has its corporate headquarters in San Pedro Garza García, Mexico, and has around 20,000 employees and 75 plants. In 2016, GRUMA posted net sales of approximately US$3,600 million, of which 75% came from its operations outside of Mexico. For more information, please visit www.gruma.com

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/607375/Ribbon_Cutting.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/607376/NVA_Plant.jpg

SOURCE Gruma-Mission Foods

Allstate Enlists the Help of MLS Goalkeepers to Protect Local Soccer Fields

November 21, 2017

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NORTHBROOK, Illinois, Nov. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Allstate announced today its latest initiative in its ongoing mission to protect the soccer community. For every save made by goalkeepers during MLS’ Eastern and Western Conference Championships and MLS Cup, Allstate will donate two new soccer nets to fields in need in that club’s city.

In soccer, the goalie is the last line of defense and the ultimate protector of the net, which is why Allstate is enlisting the help of some of the best goalkeepers in MLS. Zack Steffen of Columbus Crew SC, Joe Willis of Houston Dynamo, Stefan Frei of Seattle Sounders FC and Alex Bono of Toronto FC have all committed to helping Allstate turn their saves into new nets for their local communities.

“As a goalkeeper, I know all about the importance of protection, which is why I am honored to be working with Allstate to help protect local youth soccer fields,” said Frei. “Growing up, the local field was always the place my friends and I went to and where my passion and love for soccer began, so I’m proud to do my part and help Allstate ensure these fields provide a place for current and future players to play for years to come.”

Allstate will be tracking saves and converting them into new nets during each of the following matches:

11/21: Columbus Crew SC vs Toronto FC
11/21: Houston Dynamo vs Seattle Sounders FC
11/29: Toronto FC vs Columbus Crew SC
11/30: Seattle Sounders FC vs Houston Dynamo
12/9: MLS Cup

At the conclusion of MLS Cup, local Allstate agency owners will work to install the new nets in each of the four clubs’ cities on fields that need them the most.

Allstate has been a longtime supporter of soccer, having sponsored the Mexican National Team (FMF) since 2007 and MLS since 2011. Additionally, for the last 10 years, Allstate has made giving back to the next generation of soccer fans and players a priority through various local community initiatives.

“Allstate and our agents understand how important the game of soccer is to our local communities, and we have made it our goal to help protect the game for fans and players alike,” said Pam Hollander, vice president of marketing for Allstate. “Doing our part to ensure that local fields remain in good condition is just one way to help these communities that are so important to the sport so they can continue to enjoy the game.”

Earlier this summer, Allstate announced a multi-year partnership agreement to become the Official Insurance Sponsor of CONCACAF, in addition to being named Official Protector of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the region’s national team competition. The agreement, negotiated by Soccer United Marketing (SUM), also includes a renewal as the Official Home, Auto, Life and Retirement Insurance Partner of MLS and the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF), via the annual Mexican National Team tour in the United States.

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life’s uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Other growth platforms include predictive analytics company Arity and consumer-product protection plan company SquareTrade. Allstate is widely known through the slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate^®.” Allstate agencies are in virtually every local community in America. In 2016, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners gave $42 million to support local communities.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/608067/ALLSTATE_INSURANCE_COMPANY_LOGO.jpg

SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company